Cause of Shingles
Shingles is from the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus can remain inactive in the body’s nerve tissues and factors like a weakened immune system, stress, or aging can reactivate it, leading to shingles.
Symptoms of Shingles
Shingles typically start with a burning or tingling sensation, along with pain and sensitivity in a specific area of the body. The most common symptom is having rashes that appear as a cluster of fluid-filled blisters. These blisters can itch, hurt, and possibly open up to form crusts. The rash often follows a specific pattern along a nerve pathway, wrapping around one side of the torso or on the face, neck, and other parts of the body.
You should contact your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect shingles, especially when you are experiencing:
- Burning or stabbing pain
- Itching
- Fever, headache and fatigue
- Numbness, tingling sensation in affected area
Risk Factors for Shingles
People who have not had chickenpox are more likely to get shingles, but there are other factors that can increase the risk as well:
Age
The risk of shingles increases with age. It is more common for people over 50.
Weakened immune system
Individuals who are having chemotherapy, have conditions like HIV/AIDS, or have taken certain medications like corticosteroids are more susceptible to shingles.
Stress
High levels of stress can weaken the immune system, making it easier for the varicella-zoster virus to reactivate.
Organ transplant
Some medications are used to prevent organ rejection, which suppresses the immune response, increasing the potential risk of getting shingles.
Treatment Options for Shingles
While there is no cure for shingles, several treatment options are aimed to relieve pain and limit the spread of the virus.
Antiviral medications
These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak if taken within 72 hours of the rash appearing. They work by stopping the virus from replicating.
Pain relievers
Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen or creams like capsaicin or lidocaine can help alleviate the pain associated with shingles.
Cool compresses
Wet compresses and calamine lotion can soothe the itchiness and discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shingles contagious?
Shingles can be contagious, but you can only spread the infection to other people while the rash is oozing fluid. Therefore, direct contact with the rash or fluid from the blisters should be avoided.
What groups of people do you need to avoid if you have shingles?
You can spread chickenpox to people who have not had it before, people with weakened immune systems (eg. those who have gone through chemotherapy), and babies less than one month old.
Can you get shingles more than once?
Yes, you can get shingles multiple times, which is why it is important to maintain good hygiene to ensure that you avoid secondary infections.
Will shingles leave scars?
Shingles do not leave permanent scars on most people, but if blisters are scratched, they can become infected or cause scarring.
Shingles can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but with proper care and treatment from professionals, healing can be painless and scarless. Maple Clinic is a leading beauty aesthetician clinic in Malaysia that specializes in providing comprehensive and advanced treatment for various skin conditions, making sure to help you embrace a healthier and happier you.
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